Oklahoma City is the most populous city in the state of Oklahoma. From 2010 to 2016, Oklahoma City’s metro population grew by nearly 10 percent and has experienced a 1.55 percent average annual growth rate. In 2016, the Oklahoma City MSA population was estimated to be 1,379,525 while the city of Oklahoma City’s population was 649,058. Since 2010, the Oklahoma City MSA is the 10th-fastest-growing large metro in the country and has grown twice as fast as the nation.

This vibrant, active city is even more livable because of its affordability. Unlike many metropolitan areas today, you can afford to live comfortably in a quality home, while still enjoying the area’s arts, entertainment and recreational opportunities.

Oklahoma City is as easy to reach as it is to navigate, with commute times averaging about 20 minutes or less with minimal congestion. The Greater Oklahoma City area has more than 2,400 miles of highways and interstates. The highest concentration being 384 miles of roadway in Oklahoma County where the crossroads of I-35, I-40, and I-44 meet in Oklahoma City. Freight carriers and truck transportation run efficiently on the 646 miles of interstates in the region and minimal congestion.

Will Rogers World Airport is the Greater Oklahoma City region’s major commercial airport. The airport has six airlines, 23 nonstop flights, and about 75 total daily departures. The airport is located a short drive from downtown Oklahoma City with easy access to three major interstates. Will Rogers World Airport sits on more than 8,000 acres of land and provides a wide array of development opportunities. The airport operates on three runways, two 9,800-ft parallel to one another and one 7,800-ft crosswind runway, allowing the airport to accommodate any size aircraft. 

In addition to Will Rogers World Airport, Stillwater Regional Airport (SWO) offers daily jet service to Dallas Fort/Worth (DFW). With just one connection you can travel to more than 200 domestic and 40 international destinations. Oklahoma City also has two reliever airports, Wiley Post Airport and Max Westheimer Airport. Wiley Post Airport is located in Northwest Oklahoma City providing mostly business aviation. Max Westheimer Airport in Norman, owned by the University of Oklahoma, is mostly used for general aviation. Greater Oklahoma City also boasts several other general aviation airports including Oklahoma City’s Clarence E. Page Airport and the Shawnee Regional Airport.

Amtrak service is provided via the Heartland Flyer, with service to Fort Worth, Texas. The train departs from the historic Santa Fe Depot at the front door of Bricktown – Oklahoma City’s entertainment district. The Heartland Flyer now offers a bike service for those looking to explore Fort Worth car- free. Two Class I lines provide most of the rail transportation in the Greater Oklahoma City region: Union Pacific and BNSF Railway. These lines have more than 4,000 miles of track and connnect Oklahoma communities with other U.S. cities, markets, and ports.

In the Greater Oklahoma City area, there are 19 public and private colleges and universities, including two research universities, Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma. These institutions of higher learning provide thousands of undergraduate and graduate degree opportunities. Oklahoma also has a nationally acclaimed Career and Technology system, offering programs and services in 29 technology center districts operating on 56 campuses, 398 comprehensive school districts, 25 skill centers, and three juvenile facilities. Not only do these centers provide training to high school and post-secondary students, they also provide invaluable training services to a variety of businesses in a number of different skill areas.

In 2009, the state voted to reduce personal income tax to 5.25 percent followed by further reductions to 5 percent in 2016. If general revenue triggers are met, additional cuts may be made in the future. Oklahoma’s taxation and regulatory policies are competitive, both regionally and nationally.

The unemployment rate for the Oklahoma City metropolitan area averaged 4 percent for 2016. Increases in the area’s population and labor force have kept pace with economic growth, keeping the region’s unemployment rate low in comparison to the nation.